‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored
‘I’m not being listened to’ – new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored
Zoe Trafford, a hairdresser from Liverpool, recounts how she often had to act as a confidant for her clients, offering advice on personal issues. But the roles shifted when her own health concerns became unmanageable. Diagnosed with endometriosis in her teens, Zoe says her symptoms were dismissed for years as “just bad periods.”
“You’ll be alright, it’s just normal,” doctors would tell her. “But it’s not normal – I don’t think being in pain is normal.”
The 2022 Conservative government’s strategy aimed to “radically improve” how the NHS engages with women, but four years later, Zoe’s experience reflects ongoing struggles. After undergoing major surgery to remove her womb and part of her bowel, she now drains her own bladder with a small tube and continues to feel overlooked. “I’m not being listened to,” she says, highlighting persistent complications and a sense of being stuck in a cycle of referrals.
The Labour government has introduced an updated strategy, targeting the criticism that women’s health issues remain sidelined. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the system’s shortcomings, stating some women feel like “second class citizens” due to their pain being treated as an inconvenience.
According to BBC analysis, the number of women waiting for gynaecological procedures in England has nearly doubled since February 2020, reaching over 565,000 by January 2026. While waiting lists for other treatments have also grown, the rise is less dramatic at 58%. The new plan includes a “patient power payment” system, which will incentivize feedback and allocate funds to areas needing improvement.
Key Reforms in the Updated Strategy
The reforms aim to streamline referrals to specialists, reduce delays, and enforce new standards for pain management during gynaecological procedures. Dr Alison Wright of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists praised the initiative but warned the situation for women remains “deeply concerning.” She called for integrating Women’s Health Hubs into local healthcare models to address gaps.
Despite these steps, challenges persist. The Royal Osteoporosis Society questioned the strategy, noting no national plan for specialist services to tackle the condition that affects half of women over 50. Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP and society ambassador, stated around 2,000 lives are lost annually due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Emma Cox of Endometriosis UK emphasized the need for a “clear roadmap” to ensure resources and capacity meet demands, with diagnosis times exceeding nine years for many.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has advanced its women’s health plan, while Wales launched its own in 2024. Both seek to “close the gender health gap” through targeted services and improved access to care. As Zoe’s story shows, the journey to meaningful change continues, with patients still advocating for better support and recognition.
